As each bird flaps its wings, it creates ‘uplift’ for the bird following. By flying in a V formation the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if the bird flew alone.
LESSON: When people share a common direction and sense of community they can reach their goals more easily because they are travelling on the thrust of one another.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the ‘lifting power’ of the bird immediately in front.
LESSON: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go and be willing to accept their help as well as give ours to others.
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.
LESSON: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks, and sharing leadership. With other people, as with geese, we are interdependent on each other.
The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
LESSON: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging and not something else.
